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The Algorithm in the Room: Seeing and Confronting the Implications of AI for the Future of Education

Paris, France: UNESCO (2026), 162 pp.

"This UNESCO collection critically examines how artificial intelligence and algorithmic systems are reshaping education. Rather than focusing only on AI tools, it considers human agency, student development, pedagogy, assessment, knowledge, governance, equity and the future of education. Particularl ... more

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Bioweapons, Big Pharma and Simple Remedies: The Playbook of Health Disinformation and the Ebola Outbreak in the DRC and Uganda

Christopher Nehring, Hendrik Sittig

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Media Programme Sub-Sahara Africa (2026), 10 pp.

"The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been accompanied by targeted health disinformation just hours after the WHO emergency declaration. Our report analyses the narratives, actors and dynamics of this information manipulation – from bioweapons claims an ... more

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Fact-checking and Investigative Journalism’s Artificial Intelligence Revolution

Rubén Rivas-de-Roca, Lucia Mesquita, Allen Munoriyarwa, Mathias-Felipe de-Lima-Santos, Adeola Abdulateef Elega

Journalism Practice (2026), pp. 1-21

"The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms has created new opportunities and challenges for journalism. A significant opportunity lies in the use of AI technologies for investigative journalism and fact-checking, core functions of the field. Grounded in technological appropri ... more

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Information Disorder and Resilience in the Global South: Structural Drivers, Governance, Media Literacy, and Fact-Checking

Meli M. Ncube, Herman Wasserman, Ruhiya Kristine Seward (eds.)

Stellenbosch: Center for Information Integrity in Africa (CINIA) (2026), 123 pp.

"This book illustrates the reality that information disorder is not solely a problem of untrue news or toxic speech; it is structural, entwined intrinsically with politics, economics, technology, and culture. The same pattern-including a weak media system with consolidated ownership, fragile regulat ... ion, and global platforms orientated toward engagement rather than truth-stands out from Africa through to Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. These conditions create societies that are ripe for misinformation and disinformation. Solutions, therefore, must reach beyond technical fixes and get to the deeper structures that dictate how information flows. WHY THE PROBLEM IS STRUCTURAL. The information disorder framework of Wardle and Derakhshan (2017) helps us to understand the various ways harmful content can manifest. However, intent is difficult to prove, and harm usually depends on context. In the Global South, information disorder proliferates in conditions where media operate on shoestring budgets, governments systematically limit access to information, and platforms capture advertising markets. These structural weaknesses set up an environment in which false content can spread easily and trust declines. MEDIA CONCENTRATION AND PLATFORM DOMINANCE. Latin America provides an example of how the old patterns of media concentration are merged with new digital disruptions. The old oligopolies of traditional media still dominate, but now platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook oversee the traffic and revenue that flow to them. Algorithms reward sensational content, while programmatic advertising siphons money away from independent journalism. This is what is currently called ‘digital colonialism’ in Africa: foreign platforms set the rules while local languages and contexts are ignored. Infrastructure projects expand connectivity but deepen dependency when ownership remains offshore. REGULATION: BALANCING INTEGRITY AND RIGHTS. Meanwhile, governments have introduced laws against so-called ‘fake news’, but many are based on vaguely worded provisions that have been used to silence critics. Inconsistency and bias towards Global North languages in platform self-regulation persist. Co-regulation, where responsibility is shared by states and companies under independent oversight, is preferable, but Information Disorder and Resilience in the Global South requires robust institutions and civil society participation. Transparency of algorithms, data portability, and competition measures will be necessary to check the power of platforms. JOURNALISM UNDER PRESSURE. The collapse of the old revenue models and the capture of advertising by platforms have done much to make journalism economically fragile. But this is more than a business problem; it is, importantly, a democratic one. When newsrooms are starved of resources, quality suffers and trust erodes. Hybrid funding models-subscriptions, donations, and philanthropy-help, but these have their limits. Journalism should be considered akin to public infrastructure and supported as such by fair taxation levied on digital platforms, alongside policies to ensure media diversity. FACT CHECKING, MEDIA LITERACY. Fact-checking is indispensable, but it cannot be the sole panacea. It is fraught with political risks, underfunding problems, and maintaining pace with AI-generated output. Programs on media and information literacy show promise, particularly for children, but their effects quickly fade without reinforcement. The Sri Lanka case study further established that practical skills, such as keeping passwords safe, are retained, while habits for verification involving more complexity slowly deteriorate over time. Media and information literacy must be embedded within school curricula and championed through parenting; it must be placed in a local context. SIX PRIORITIES FOR ACTION. To construct resilient information ecosystems, what is required is effort at six points: 1. Support independent journalism with sustainable funding and fair regulation. 2. Incentivize platforms, not just their content, to reduce the spread of harmful material. 3. Localize moderation and infrastructure to counter digital colonialism. 4. Integrate MIL into education and assess long-term impacts. 5. Strengthen networks of fact-checking and connect them with literacy programs. 6. Encourage epistemic diversity through promoting local languages and knowledge systems." (Conclusion, pages 121-122) more

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Disinformation in Georgia

Koba Turmanidze (ed.)

Caucasus Analytical Digest, issue 145 (2026), 24 pp.

"One highly at-risk cluster is defined by socio-economic and geographic disadvantages. Vulnerability is greater among women, rural residents, and those with lower education and income, according to Bandzeladze and Chkhetiani. The authors further highlight that women living in rural areas with lower ... levels of education and income are collectively most at risk, as assessed by their ability to recognize information correctly. Similarly, Atchaidze and Fabos found that individuals living in rural settlements and those with lower reported income were most likely to receive low scores on the media literacy index, often inaccurately identifying answers as true or false, particularly on themes related to EU integration. A critical finding regarding vulnerability relates to ethnic minorities. The study by Atchaidze and Fabos demonstrated a clear media literacy divide, reporting that ethnic Azerbaijanis and ethnic Armenians scored far lower on the media literacy index compared to ethnic Georgians. These groups’ struggle to accurately assess politically relevant information makes them prime targets for false narratives. Political and ideological factors are also strong predictors of susceptibility. Crucially, politically unaffiliated individuals (nonpartisans or those declining to disclose party affiliation) are the most vulnerable group, reporting the lowest rates of fact-checking and the lowest accuracy in evaluating information, as demonstrated by Bandzeladze and Chkhetiani. Conversely, Bandzeladze and Chkhetiani note that partisan attachment, particularly among opposition supporters, can foster heightened vigilance, leading to greater skepticism and accuracy. Furthermore, subscription to conspiratorial beliefs significantly increases susceptibility to manipulation. Bandzeladze and Chkhetiani found that belief in narratives, such as the state-sponsored “Global War Party,” substantially undermines the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. The analysis by Chkhetiani delves deeper into the profile of believers in this specific state-driven narrative, noting that men, older citizens (aged 55 and older), the unemployed or self-employed, pro-government TV consumers, and especially supporters of the Georgian Dream party are consistently more receptive to these conspiratorial narratives. This belief system is potent because the state-sponsored Global War Party theory channels diffuse suspicion into a coherent, anti-Western geopolitical attitude. The work of Kobaladze and Gagunashvili explains the mechanism by which such narratives are strategically constructed and disseminated through a “pre-suasion” strategy—framing the West as an enemy and discrediting civil society organizations months in advance—thereby preparing these vulnerable segments of the public to accept controversial legislation, such as the Law on the Transparency of Foreign Influence. These intersecting vulnerabilities—where low objective media literacy meets political disengagement and the acceptance of state-sponsored conspiracy theories—create a fertile environment for manipulation. This collective insight underscores the critical gap between public awareness of disinformation as a threat and the actual media literacy skills necessary to resist it effectively." (Page 2) more

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Information Manipulation in Sudan: A Baseline Assessment of Actors, Narratives and Tactics

Aida Al-Kaisy, Amal Hamdan

Thomson Foundation (2026), 81 pp.

"The destruction of Sudan’s established information infrastructure at the outset of the conflict in April 2023 has created an environment where systematic information manipulation and disinformation campaigns now flourish unchecked. This has intersected with increasing systematic information manip ... more

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How civil society coalition-building affects information integrity during elections: evidence from four African countries

Dani Madrid-Morales, Herman Wasserman, Nicola Davies-Laubscher, Fatoumata Sow

Information, Communication & Society (2026), 18 pp.

"This article examines how civil society actors promote information integrity during elections through coalition-building, drawing on evidence from four African countries (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa) that held elections between 2022 and 2024. In these countrie ... more

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Sudan Digital Investigation Hub: A practical investigation toolkit designed for Sudanese journalists and civil society actors working in high-risk digital environments

London: Thomson Foundation (2026)

"The Sudan Digital Investigation Hub was created in response to the growing risks posed by information manipulation, online incitement, and the rapid spread of unverified content in conflict settings. Journalists and civil society actors are increasingly required to navigate complex digital environm ... more

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AI-Assisted Journalism and Media: Opportunities and Challenges
Deep Insights

Pham Chien Editors: Thang, Aruchamy Prasanth

Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 1st (2026), 172 pp.

"This edited volume examines how artificial intelligence is transforming journalism and newsroom practices, balancing practical opportunities with professional and ethical challenges. Its chapters cover AI-supported news gathering, verification, automated content production, audience engagement, new ... more

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AI-Powered Fact-Checking and Verification Tools

Emmanuel Bahindi, Antonio Kisembo, Echeru Rodney Oluma

Kampala: Media Challenge Initiative (2026), 23 pp.

"This paper is a practical and critical guide to AI-powered fact-checking and verification tools. It explains how automated fact-checking works as a pipeline; it maps the four families of tools a journalist can use; it assesses their real accuracy and their limits honestly, including the striking fi ... more

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Threats, Disinformation, and Regulations in the European Digital Environment

Katerina Turková, Veronika Macková (eds.)

New York: Bloomsbury Academic (2026), xii, 252 pp.

"In this edited volume, contributors explore the various threats-both security- and (dis)information-related-that are present within the European digital environment, along with the subsequent regulations imposed across the region in response to these threats. Due to the fluctuating evolution of EU- ... more

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Disinformation in Migration Reporting

Emmanuel Bahindi, Antonio Kisembo, Echeru Rodney Oluma

Kampala: Media Challenge Initiative (2026), 31 pp.

"This paper examines disinformation in migration reporting: how false and misleading narratives about migrants and refugees are constructed, spread and weaponised, and how journalists can report migration truthfully. It sets out the three master narratives, health, economic and security threat, on w ... more

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Election Disinformation and Political Communication

Emmanuel Bahindi, Antonio Kisembo, Echeru Rodney Oluma

Kampala: Media Challenge Initiative (2026), 29 pp.

"This paper examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping election disinformation and political communication, and how democracies, especially in East Africa, can respond. It sets out the five harms AI disinformation inflicts on an election; it delivers an honest reality check on the 2024 “fir ... more

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World Disasters Report 2026: Truth, Trust and Humanitarian Action in the Age of Harmful Information
Deep Insights

Charlotte Lindsey Curtet (ed.)

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (ICRC) (2026), 372 pp.

"The World Disasters Report 2026 calls on governments, humanitarian actors, media, technology companies and communities, to recognise that the trustworthiness of information is a matter of life and death. Just as we plan for logistics, shelter and health care in emergencies, we must also plan for th ... e information environment. This requires investing in community engagement, prioritizing listening over speaking, building resilience against harmful narratives and consistently upholding humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in every interaction and message. In 2024, 32 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff were killed while on duty; in 2025, a further 27 lives were lost. This is a painful reminder of the risks borne by those who put humanity first, often in the most dangerous circumstances. Their deaths underscore the urgent need to protect humanitarian staff and volunteers, and to safeguard the space they need to save lives. Anything that deepens mistrust, fuels hostility or turns the emblem of protection into a target must be confronted with urgency. Honouring their memory compels us to meet this crisis with urgency and resolve. Hope must also be part of our response. Harmful information thrives on fear and confusion, but hope – rooted in trust, solidarity and human dignity – can be just as contagious. Balancing threats with hope and fostering narratives of agency and possibility offers a vital counterforce. Around the world, communities respond to crises not only with resilience but also with creativity and compassion, often leading the way in finding solutions. By amplifying authentic stories and voices, we do more than counter falsehoods: we inspire action, strengthen trust and remind people that even in the darkest moments, there are paths forward. The IFRC and its member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have always worked at the heart of communities, earning trust through presence, transparency and respect. In today’s information crisis, this role matters more than ever. Our commitment is clear and unwavering: act with humanity and based on evidence, uphold trust and put people in need first – so that in moments of fear and uncertainty, the voices that carry furthest are those that heal, aid and protect. Each of us has a role to play. By staying informed, questioning, verifying and amplifying only what is trustworthy and constructive, we strengthen the information environment and ensure that hope speaks louder than harm." (Foreword) more

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Political economy of disinformation and misinformation electioneering uptake in Ghana’s 2024 general election

Eliasu Mumuni, Gbensuglo Alidu Bukari, Katherine Kauza-Nu-Dem Millar

African Journal of Social Issues, volume 9, issue 1 (2026), 361–381 pp.

"Disinformation and misinformation have become pervasive in electoral processes, influencing voter behaviour, party strategies, and democratic governance. This paper examines the socio-political dynamics that influence the uptake of disinformation and misinformation during the 2024 election period i ... more

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Living with Misinformation: A Media Literacy Approach

Tanya Notley, Michael Dezuanni, Sora Park, T. J. Thomson, Aimee Hourigan

London; New York: Routledge (2026), x, 114 pp.

"This book investigates how media literacy can be used to help people understand, identify and respond to online misinformation. Drawing on a three‑year research study that examined the everyday media experiences and abilities of more than 4,400 adults, this book presents an in‑depth look at how ... more

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Understanding online disinformation: Concepts, mechanisms, and policy responses

Mónika Andok, Péter Bányász, Gergely Ferenc Lendvai, Zsuzsanna Monori, Péter Nemere, Levente Nyakas, Ronan Ó Fathaigh, János Tamás Papp

Budapest: Institute for Media Studies; National Media and Infocommunications Authority (2026), 262 pp.

"[The book] begins by detailing the conceptual apparatus needed to distinguish various forms of information disorder and to clarify why the definitions chosen matter for research design and policy calibration. It then examines the socio-technical environment in which disinformation circulates, focus ... more

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Disinformation Campaigns in Africa: Actors, Consequences, and Responses

Admire Mare, Allen Munoriyarwa

New York: Bloomsbury Publishing (2026), 262 pp.

"Centering disinformation campaigns in Africa, this book examines typologies of false and misleading information and assesses the devastating consequences of disinformation. Admire Mare and Allen Munoriyarwa cover the key actors, consequences of, and responses to combat disinformation campaigns th ... more

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Dynamics and contours of online disinformation based on perspectives from Nigerian internet users

Jude Nwakpoke Ogbodo, Agatha Obiageri Orji-Egwu, Emmanuel Ogbonna Njoku, Ogonnaya Lynda Ngwu

Discover Global Society, volume 4 (2026), 20 pp.

“This study examined how Nigerian social media and internet users experience, interpret, and respond to online disinformation. The study was guided by the Uses and Gratifications and Social Cognitive theories. It explored four interrelated research questions. A qualitative design was adopted, usin ... more

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Disinformation: A Multi-Disciplinary Analysis
Deep Insights

Lisa Ginsborg, Paula Gori (eds.)

Cham: Springer (2026), xvi, 654 pp.

"This volume provides a multidisciplinary analysis of disinformation and strategies for tackling it. Authored by a diverse group of scholars and experts, chapters in this volume are divided into three thematic sections. The first section delves into disinformation from various disciplinary perspecti ... more

AI-Assisted Journalism and Media: Opportunities and Challenges Deep Insights

World Disasters Report 2026: Truth, Trust and Humanitarian Action in the Age of Harmful Information Deep Insights

Disinformation: A Multi-Disciplinary Analysis Deep Insights

AI-Assisted Journalism and Media: Opportunities and Challenges
Deep Insights

World Disasters Report 2026: Truth, Trust and Humanitarian Action in the Age of Harmful Information
Deep Insights

Disinformation: A Multi-Disciplinary Analysis
Deep Insights